India has filed charges against 13 people over the scandal involving the leak of medical exam papers.

Authorities have charged 13 suspects in connection with the leak of the medical entrance exam paper in India, following nationwide protests that led to the resignation of the education minister.

India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has brought charges against 13 individuals related to the leak of question papers for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). This action follows widespread protests across the country over the scandal, which led to the resignation of the education minister.

Approximately two million students participated in the NEET examination in May, but the results were subsequently annulled by authorities due to allegations of question paper leaks. A new assessment was then carried out.

The people accused include three subject experts from the National Testing Agency, several middlemen who are said to have gotten and shared the leaked question papers, and two individuals linked to coaching institutes who allegedly obtained the papers.

In a statement released late Wednesday, the CBI announced that all 13 suspects have been arrested and charged with criminal conspiracy, cheating, criminal breach of trust, destruction of evidence, and other related offenses.

The suspects are still in custody and have not made any public statements regarding the charges.

Examination paper leaks have emerged as a persistent issue in India. In 2024, similar allegations regarding the NEET examination surfaced, yet authorities chose not to mandate a retest at that time.

The scandal ignited weeks of protests across the nation, drawing thousands of demonstrators to New Delhi and other major cities. The protests diminished following the resignation of the education minister.

The unrest escalated as police deployed tear gas and batons to break up demonstrators advancing toward Parliament.

India’s Supreme Court on Wednesday instructed authorities to refrain from taking coercive action against protesters, mandated the release of all detained minors, and directed officials to preserve surveillance footage in light of allegations of police brutality.

The protests led Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government to propose legislation in parliament aimed at imposing stricter penalties for examination malpractice, which includes extended prison sentences and increased fines.

If convicted under the proposed amendments, individuals found guilty may face prison sentences between five and ten years and fines reaching up to 50 million rupees (approximately $522,000).

The examination paper leak scandal has emerged as a significant political challenge for Modi’s government during its third term in office.